Joe Cordina takes on Edward Vazquez this Saturday, in a IBF Super-featherweight title bout in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Cordina believes “you have to have something special” to beat him.
The Welsh boxer returns to the Casino De Monte-Carlo for the second time in his career, previously winning a unanimous decision bout against Mexican Mario Enrique Tinoco, in November 2019.
The Cardiff born fighter is defending his IBF belt, which he won against Tajikistani fighter Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, at The Cardiff International Arena back in April, via split decision.
Unbeaten Cordina is a two time IBF champion, after having to vacate his belt after winning it against Japanese fighter Kenichi Ogawa in June of 2022. He broke his right hand in the bout, leading to the vacation of the belt.
Speaking to BBC Sport Wales Cordina said: “I’m expecting it to be a tough fight, but if I can’t beat Edward Vazquez, I don’t deserve to be world champion.”
“I’m looking to do a job. He’s standing in the way of me giving my kids a very bright future, so that’s my motivation. “I haven’t been able to set my family up for life yet, but I plan on doing that. he added.
Vazquez Looking For Upset
American fighter Vazquez will be looking to cause an upset in his first world title fight. The 28 year old has only lost once in his career, a split decision loss to unbeaten American Raymond Ford in February of 2022.
Speaking to Bad Left Hook, Vazquez said: “I think we’re here to pull the upset. He might be overlooking me. I’ve heard Eddie Hearn say things about what’s happening next. Him going against Emanuel Navarrete, stuff like that. I’m here to ruin those plans, man.
That’s what I do. I like to call myself “The B-Side Killer.” It’s not my first time here, that’s for sure. It may be my first time in for a world title, but coming in on the B-side is nothing new for me.” he added.
Cordina to Fight at Cardiff City Stadium
Cordina is a beloved fan of Cardiff City Football Club, and he is hoping to set up a unification title fight at the stadium of the club, if he can get past Vazquez.
“We could do it in the summer, if I fight early next year. I’m sure we could work something out.” said Cordina.
The three other champions in the division are currently WBA champion Hector Luis Garcia, WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete, and WBC title holder O’Shaquie Foster, with Cordina the only one who is still unbeaten between the four.
A victory on Saturday night could also set up a huge domestic clash against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood, who defeated Josh Warrington, in their WBA World Feather-weight title bout in October.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
